IHSA WRESTLING STATE TOURNAMENT
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DeMoss, Traxler extend Cadets’ tradition of downstate excellence
Muck Boots Great For Any Season
• Monday, February 23, 2015
CHAMPAIGN – Consciously trading a social life for the pursuit of an IHSA Class 3A state wrestling title, Riley DeMoss switched his Twitter handle to @NoFunRiley before the season. “Tonight, I might change it to @FunRiley,” DeMoss said Saturday. Hey, if the singlet fits. DeMoss, a 170-pound Marmion junior, jubilantly achieved his objective at last, completing his run to the crown with a 5-4 victory against Willowbrook freshman Jack Jessen in the championship match. Moments later, classmate and longtime friend Nathan Traxler topped previously unbeaten Rockton Hononegah senior Tyler Demoss, 7-3, for the title at 182 Five Marmion athletes placed in all to cap another big weekend for the program at State Farm Center. “The best part of it all is not one of them is graduating,” Cadets co-coach Ryan Cumbee said. Consistent with the Cadets’ recent routine, the individual state tournament doesn’t mark the end of their season. DeMoss (39-5) and Traxler (41-2) will look to lead Marmion past Lyons in Tuesday’s 3A Shepard dual team sectional. The winner earns a berth to another downstate locale, Bloomington’s U.S. Cellular Coliseum, for the conclusion of that tournament this weekend. Busy February itineraries feel commonplace for the Cadets on the heels of a grueling regular-season schedule that takes them around the Midwest each winter. Of course, that doesn’t mean they shy away from Illinois athletes. Traxler, unbeaten against instate foes this season, channeled offseason experience against Demoss – of no relation to DeMoss, who punctuates his name differently – and seized control in the third period.
making contact with those who aren’t his opponents, although some Cadets might jokingly argue to the contrary. Primed for a breakthrough after a torn hip labrum cost him all but a few moments of his sophomore season, DeMoss turned more inward as his junior campaign approached. “I stopped really doing a lot of stuff, like hanging out with my friends or going out on weekends,” he said. “I was just focused on what I needed to do, and always, the goal was this, just to win a state title. I just stayed focused, didn’t do anything that would take me off that path. Just worked out, stayed home, ate right, slept right. Did everything I could. Controlled all the factors.” In 2A, Kaneland athletes Austin Parks (fifth, 182) and Riley Vanik (sixth, 160) can attest. The Knights will compete in a team sectional Tuesday, as well, facing host Geneseo. Parks, a 28-8 junior, and Vanik, a 35-13 sophomore, both had Maple Leafs in their respective brackets, but did not compete against them during the individual tournament. Clark Brooks for Shaw Media Perhaps it was just as well. The individual achieveMarmion’s Riley DeMoss celebrates his IHSA Class 3A 170-pound state title over Willowbrook’s Jack Jessen ments should have been alon Saturday in Champaign. lowed to linger before team “I wrestled him before; I and get a lead early. I was able quickly consoled Cheloni be- state discussion, at least until the Knights return to the mat knew who he was,” Traxler to do that.” fore shifting into mat mode. said. “It didn’t bother me. That prompted added urYes, DeMoss is capable of room. Just staying in good position gency from Cheloni, a firstand making sure I was taking time state qualifier who vaultgood shots.” ed to this round by an upset of M a r m i o n s o p h o m o r e previously unbeaten Conant 138-pounder Anthony Chelo- senior Bobby Alexander in Available at Trellis ni – like DeMoss and Trax- Friday’s semifinals. ler a product of “The Barn” “I was trying to get back of Campton Hills-based SCN any point that I could and Youth Wrestling” – finished make it a match,” Cheloni as runner-up after a 5-4 loss said. to Lockport senior Shayne OsAfter getting a tying taketer. down early in the third peOster built a 4-2 advan- riod, the result of dominant tage at the end of one period riding time, a stalling call by staying aggressive against stunted Cheloni’s final rush. Cheloni (34-12), who he edged Oster escaped with just under in overtime at Harlem’s Dvor- a minute left in the bout and ak tournament earlier this withstood Cheloni’s final efseason. fort. 2N492 Kirk Rd. • St. Charles “I knew it would be a real Making his way from the 630-584-2024 tough match,” Oster said. “I stands to the locker room We deliver • Open 7 days a week • Mon.-Fri. 8-6; Sat. 8-5; Sun. 11-4 just wanted to go out there shortly thereafter, DeMoss adno=0299997
By KEVIN DRULEY kdruley@shawmedia.com
SPORTS | Kane County Chronicle / KCChronicle.com
Good times roll for Marmion state champs